Melbourne, Australia, July 30, 2026: The Geelong Venom of Australia's Women's National Basketball League has announced the signings of Chinese players Han Xu and Zhang Wanglai for the 2026-27 season, Xinhua News reports.
The Venom confirmed the signings on Tuesday, July 28 with both players joining the club on one-year deals pending league approval.
It will be Han's second season in the WNBL after she helped the Perth Lynx reach the 2025-26 championship series.
The 2.11-meter center averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 18 games for the Lynx and was named the WNBL Defensive Player of the Year.
Han said she was looking forward to bringing the experience she had gained in China and the Women’s NBA to Geelong and pushing for "something special" with her new teammates.
The Venom also confirmed the signing of forward-guard Zhang, who has competed in both traditional and 3x3 basketball.
Zhang said joining the Venom would allow her to step outside her comfort zone, experience a new style of basketball and take on a fresh challenge.
"I'm really looking forward to soaking up the basketball vibe in Geelong," she said.
The 2026-27 WNBL season will begin on October 15.
(Xinhua)